Frequently Asked Questions

Patient Questions

How do I become a medical marijuana patient in Maryland?

If you have a qualifying medical condition and you’re receiving treatment from a Maryland licensed physician, you’re eligible to register with the medical cannabis program. Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to become an approved patient:

What are the qualifying conditions for medical cannabis in Maryland?

Patients are eligible to receive medical marijuana for the following conditions:

1. A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition that results in a patient being admitted into hospice or receiving palliative care.

2. A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or the treatment of a chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition that produces:

cachexia, anorexia, or wasting syndrome

severe or chronic pain

severe nausea

seizures

severe or persistent muscle spasms

3. A diagnosis for glaucoma or post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Are patients permitted to cultivate medical cannabis?

Maryland’s medical marijuana program does not permit home cultivation.

How much medical cannabis should a patient take?

Dosage depends on the needs of the individual patient and can vary greatly. Patients experiencing severe chronic pain may consume several moderate to strong doses per day, while patients seeking help with appetite or sleep may sometimes only require a smaller single dose at the onset of symptoms. We provide our patients with instruction in how to carefully adjust dosage to achieve the desired effect.

How will my privacy be protected?

Patient records will be maintained by your doctor and the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission. Strict rules protect the privacy of these records, including the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996. Your identity and patient status in the medical marijuana program may never be disclosed to anyone without your prior authorization. We take patient privacy very seriously are will gladly answer any questions or concerns you have about this important issue.

General Questions

What does science say about medical cannabis?

Medical cannabis has been studied extensively by the scientific community and a great deal is known about the therapeutic benefits of the cannabis plant. Americans for Safe Access has some great resources available online for patients and doctors who want to learn more about the science of medical marijuana, including a selection of booklets on the use of medical marijuana to treat specific conditions. We also recommend this article by Dr. Sanjay Gupta at CNN who writes about how he became a strong supporter of medical marijuana after researching the issue in depth. Columbia Care MD is committed to providing our patients with up to date research and important developments.

Where does the medical cannabis come from?

All medical cannabis is produced in Maryland at one of a few licensed cultivation centers. These facilities are carefully regulated by the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission and must follow strict guidelines to ensure product safety. Dispensaries may not acquire marijuana products from any source other than the licensed and regulated facilities.

Dispensary Questions

I’ve never been to a medical cannabis dispensary. How does it work?

A medical cannabis dispensary is a simple, secure facility designed to provide access for patients to receive their medicine in a safe, welcoming environment. Qualified patients or their caregivers must present their state-issued ID cards at the door. No one else is permitted to enter the establishment other than registered employees attending to the facility. Once inside, visitors are greeted by a friendly staff who are happy to answer questions about the medicine and to help the patient make decisions based on their individual health needs. The patient or caregiver then makes their selection, purchases the medicine, and exits. Security staff monitor events inside and outside the facility.

How much medical cannabis will patients be permitted to purchase?

Approved patients will be permitted to purchase and possess up to 120 grams of cannabis in flower form or up to 36 grams of THC contained within infused products. Patients are eligible to apply for an increased purchase limit if their recommending physician determines that the current limit is inadequate to meet the patient’s medical needs.

Will Maryland dispensaries accept medical cards from other states?

Unfortunately not. You must have a Maryland-issued medical marijuana card in order to visit Maryland dispensaries. Please note, however, that any patient receiving medical care in Maryland is eligible to register with the program even if they are not a resident.

What medical cannabis products will be available in Maryland?

Medical marijuana will be available in the form of flowers, concentrates, tinctures, capsules, and topicals. Marijuana infused food products will not be permitted.